Community Health Systems, Inc., and Chief Officers Smith and Cash Named to 2011 All-American Executive Team

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Feb. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Community Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CYH), its chairman, president and chief executive officer, Wayne T. Smith, and executive vice president and chief financial officer, Larry Cash, have been recognized as among the best in the nation by Institutional Investor magazine.

Within the healthcare facilities and managed care sector, Cash was named the number one CFO. Smith and Community Health Systems, Inc. were recognized as the number two CEO and company, respectively, for their investor relations efforts. This is the eighth consecutive year Smith has been recognized by sell-side analysts and the seventh consecutive number one ranking for Cash.

"This expression of confidence by the investment community is extremely gratifying, and I'm particularly proud of this well-deserved recognition for Larry. Year after year, the level of expertise he demonstrates sets the gold standard within our industry and inspires our team," said Smith. "We have the utmost respect for the investment community and work hard to facilitate strong relationships with analysts. To see that effort recognized is something in which our entire organization can take great satisfaction."

Investors were asked to name the best CEOs, CFOs, investor relations professionals and companies in each of the sectors in which they invest to select the 2011 All-America Executive Team. The rankings reflect the opinions of nearly 1,300 analysts and investment professionals at more than 550 firms.

Located in the Nashville, Tennessee, suburb of Franklin, Community Health Systems, Inc. is the largest publicly traded hospital company in the United States and a leading operator of general acute care hospitals in non-urban and mid-size markets throughout the country. Through its subsidiaries, the Company currently owns, leases or operates 126 hospitals in 29 states with an aggregate of approximately 19,400 licensed beds. Its hospitals offer a broad range of inpatient and surgical services, outpatient treatment and skilled nursing care. In addition, through its subsidiary Quorum Health Resources, LLC, the Company provides management and consulting services to approximately 150 independent non-affiliated general acute care hospitals located throughout the United States.

SOURCE Community Health Systems, Inc.